Finding a bag of rotten potatoes in the kitchen cupboard is never fun. The same goes for their smell. Fresh potatoes are great to slice, dice, chop and eat, but rotten potatoes are not good for humans or animals. Unfortunately, once rot is in a potato, it can quickly spread to the rest of the bag, resulting in a wet, smelly mess to clean up and an unpleasant smell to explain to guests. And when we say debt, we really mean debt. If you thought regular potatoes couldn’t smell any more than the spices you sprinkle on them, just wait until you smell the rotting potatoes. Fortunately, you don’t have to put up with it. If an unpleasant smell has alerted you that something suspicious is going on in your closet, here are some tips for dealing with it.
Potatoes
The potato is one of the most common vegetables in the world. No matter what part of the world you come from, we meet over a chip, a baked potato or a big spoonful of airy mashed potatoes more often than you think. Which is understandable. Potatoes are cheap. It’s easily accessible, and it’s delicious. The problem is that they are not as strong as we thought. Most of us are guilty of keeping a bag of potatoes in the kitchen cupboard or pantry and forgetting about them. But after a while, potatoes, like all vegetables, start to rot. And that’s where the problem begins. Rotting potatoes not only have a disgusting smell, but can also give off toxins. As Hunker writes, potatoes, like other plants in the nightshade family, contain a toxin called solanine. In small quantities, solanine is completely harmless. However, when potatoes become soft and mushy or sprout and turn green, the solanine content can increase and release toxic fumes that become poisonous when inhaled. So now you have two good reasons to thoroughly clean your cabinets: first, unpleasant odors, and second, the elimination of toxins. Collect all the potatoes in a bag, seal it, and throw the bag in the trash outside. Don’t be tempted to leave them in the garbage – whatever poison the potatoes give off, you want them as far away from you as possible. Once you’ve cleaned out your potato fridge, you can start tackling the remaining odors.
How do you get rid of the smell of rotten potatoes in your office?
In some cases, potato removal is the first and last step to rid your cabinet of the smell of rotten potatoes. Usually, however, the odors have already penetrated the surface, which means you have a few more steps to take before you’re done. Fortunately, you don’t have to use harsh chemicals or expensive cleaners to remove the smell. Most of the ingredients you need to clean and deodorize your cabinets are already hiding in your pantry. Before using any of the following deodorizing methods, wash your cabinet thoroughly with hot water and soap to remove all potato residue. Once the cabinet is clean, leave the doors open overnight to allow it to dry and most of the odors and gases to escape. The next morning, grab your gear and get to work using one of the following proven methods.
Vinegar method
Vinegar is strong stuff. It not only neutralizes odors, but also kills germs. In order to fully exploit the germicidal potential, a vinegar containing at least 5% acetic acid should be used.
- Step 1 – Mix one part vinegar with two parts water. Pour the solution into the spray bottle and shake well.
- Step 2 – Spray the solution directly onto the surface of the cabinet. Get him up at night.
- Step 3 – Use a clean cloth to wipe off the vinegar solution. If a rotten potato smell remains, repeat this process as many times as necessary to remove the last traces of the smell.
Baking soda method
Baking soda is an effective odor neutralizer. To get rid of unpleasant smells in your wardrobe, try this simple method from eHow.
- Step 1 – Fill an open container with baking soda and leave it in the cupboard for a few days.
- Step 2 – Remove the container. Sniff. If you are still experiencing odor, fill the container with fresh baking soda and put it back in the cabinet for a few more days.
Method for drying leaves
If you have a bag of dryer sheets left over, you can use them with this simple deodorizing method.
- Step 1 – Place a dryer sheet on the floor of each cabinet. Let them absorb unpleasant odors.
- Step 2 – When the dry leaves lose their fresh taste, replace them. Keep adding and replacing leaves until the smell disappears.
Method of preparing coffee
According to wigglywisdom.com, some smells of rotten potatoes can be so strong that you can hardly get rid of them. If white vinegar and baking soda don’t work, it’s time to try a new tactic. For this method, you will need a saucer and as many coffee balls as you need for your caffeine habit. Note that coffee doesn’t eliminate the bad smell, but it masks it well enough that you don’t have to explain it to your guests.
- Step 1 – Fill small bowls with ground coffee granules. If you want, you can put the coffee grounds on a piece of absorbent material such as paper or a cloth.
- Step 2 – Put a bowl on each shelf of the cabinet and leave it there.
- Step 3 – Once the smell of coffee begins to fade, replace the floor with a fresh batch.
How to keep your mouth shut
Once you’ve eliminated the stench from the air, it’s time to take steps to prevent a recurrence. If possible, find a place to store the potatoes in a cool, dark place, away from other fruits and vegetables. A well-insulated basement or shed is a good choice. This not only prevents the potatoes from rotting, but also preserves their valuable vitamins and minerals.
frequently asked questions
How to remove the smell of rotten potatoes from wood
Simply make a mixture of vinegar and water and rub it on all surfaces of the cabinet. Make sure you don’t dilute the vinegar too much, so it’s best to use equal parts water and vinegar.
Can you die from the smell of rotten potatoes?
Potatoes contain glycoalkaloids, a harmful substance also found in the poisonous nightshade plant. The rougher the potatoes, the higher the concentration of glycoalkaloids, releasing a dangerously toxic gas. This gas can be fatal if inhaled.
How do I get rid of the smell in the cabinets
Vinegar and baking soda are known to absorb odors, although you shouldn’t mix them unless you want a mess on your hands! If you leave a container of vinegar in each cabinet overnight or for up to 24 hours, the musty smell will disappear from the cabinets.
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